Soccer quiz: from the J.League and the World Cup to the history of football

defensive midfielder

A volante refers to a defensive midfielder. Positioned centrally on the pitch, they focus on defense while also serving as a crucial starting point for attacks. They are responsible for disrupting the opponent’s offense and contribute by winning the ball in midfield and controlling the tempo of the game.

hand

Under the Laws of the Game in soccer, players are generally not allowed to play the ball with their hands. This rule does not apply to the goalkeeper, so any outfield player who touches the ball with their hand will be penalized for a handball. However, if the ball touches a player’s hand or arm as part of an unintentional, natural movement, it may not be judged a handball.

Qatar

The FIFA World Cup held in 2022 took place in Qatar. It was the first World Cup hosted by a Middle Eastern country, and it was also staged during what is typically the hottest period in World Cup history, which is why the matches were played in the winter. It drew attention for the various measures implemented, such as air conditioning in the stadiums and adjustments to the schedule.

Yatagarasu

The bird depicted on the Japan national soccer team’s emblem is the Yatagarasu. The Yatagarasu is a legendary three-legged crow known in Japanese mythology as the messenger of the sun goddess Amaterasu. The emblem’s design features the Yatagarasu against the backdrop of the Hinomaru, symbolizing victory and unity, and embodies the identity of Japanese soccer.

hat trick

In soccer, when a single player scores three goals in one match, it is called a “hat-trick.” The term originally comes from cricket, where it refers to achieving three successes. It came to be used in soccer to celebrate the remarkable feat of scoring three goals in a single game, which is generally considered very difficult.

Assist

In soccer, the final pass that leads to a goal is called an “assist.” It plays a supportive role in the build-up to the goal and contributes greatly to the team’s scoring. Examples include actions like a pass or a cross in front of the goal.

Masashi Nakayama

Masashi Nakayama scored Japan’s first-ever FIFA World Cup goal in the match against Jamaica at the 1998 World Cup in France. This goal is still remembered as a significant moment in Japanese football history.